Ursula von der Leyen’s presidency at the European Commission is facing criticism from the Party of European Left, with calls for her resignation due to alleged “warmongering” and mishandling of migration issues. Walter Baier, the president of the Party of European Left, expressed dissatisfaction with Von der Leyen’s leadership, stating that it has been the “worst” in years.
The Left group in the European Parliament had previously voted against von der Leyen in 2019, citing insufficient responses to the concerns of EU citizens. Martin Schirdewan, co-president of the group, remarked that her leadership could perpetuate chronic problems in the EU.
As speculation grows about Von der Leyen seeking a second term, the secretary general of the conservative European People’s Party, Thanasis Bakolas, hinted at EPP’s potential support for her candidacy during a Euractiv event on November 30.
Discussing the post-EU election scenario, Baier predicted a shift to the right in the European Commission, with the European Left serving as an “opposition and control” force without securing top jobs.
Expressing anticipation for von der Leyen’s departure, Baier criticised her handling of various issues, including the ‘cash for migrants’ deal with Tunisia, her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the response to the COVID-19 health crisis. He labelled her as the “worst” Commission president in his more than 15 years of observing European politics.
He said: “I have been observing European politics for more than 15 years, and it’s absolutely the worst turn (…). You can say a woman on the top of the European Commission is an achievement as such, which is very true, but at the same time, she is warmongering, and she lacks any sensitivity in terms of migration policy. So, I think: thank you very much, Mrs von der Leyen.”
